Do not steal

Background:

The eighth of the Ten Commandments is: “Do not steal.” There are two stories. The first is
from the time when God was giving the laws (or commandments) to Moses. The second
comes from Paul’s letter to the followers of Jesus in Ephesus. He gives instructions on living
as a Christian and he addresses stealing.

Do not steal: First Story

Exodus 22:1&3

It is important to recognize that the Ten Commandments are not an exhaustive list of
commandments. If you read all of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy you will
find many more laws and more details about the Ten Commandments.

In Exodus chapter 22 there are specific instructions about stealing and restoration. Here
God commands that anyone who steals an ox or a sheep and slaughters it or sells it must
pay back five head of cattle for an ox and four sheep for a sheep. God commands that a thief
must make restitution, and if he is unable to do so, he is to be sold as a slave to pay the debt.

This is the story from the Bible.

Do not steal: Second Story

Ephesians 4:28

Paul is teaching on the subject of Christian living. He tells the believers, the followers of
Jesus, that anyone who is stealing must stop and get a job. He is to stop stealing from others
and is to find something useful to do. This way they will be able to help others in need.

This concludes this story from the Bible.

Other stories:

 The rich young man – Mark 10:17-31

 The commandments about adultery, murder, stealing and coveting are summed up
in the one command “Love you neighbor as yourself.” – Romans 13:9

Retelling the story

Let’s review these stories by retelling them as a group. We want to retell them as faithfully
as we can to the stories from the Bible. We do not want to add to them or leave out
anything important. Who will get us started?

1
Questions:

The questions and discussion about the Ten Commandments should be focused beyond the
events that tell the story of how God gave them to Moses and address the fact that they
were given by God for his people to follow. A foundation should be laid for obedience to the
commandments.

It is important that the questions demonstrate that the Ten Commandments are not
intended to be an exhaustive list of commandments.

What is the eighth of the Ten Commandments?

Do not steal.

What restitution does God require for a stolen ox and for a stolen sheep?
Five head of cattle for an ox
Four sheep for a sheep

Why do you think God set the restitution for theft at five times or four times the theft?

How does the teaching about stealing in Exodus 22 relate to the Ten Commandments?

What were God’s instructions through Paul about stealing?

Why do you think that Paul addressed theft so directly?

What should we do in response to these teachings?